John Bateman notices his catcher's mitt is gone from Wrigley Field. Bob Aspromonte and Nate Colbert have also had their gloves stolen. Bateman gets his revenge by smashing two home runs in an 8-5 triumph. Dave Giusti surrenders four home runs but Houston rallies with five runs in the ninth. Carroll Sembera gets his first big league win.

Oct 14, 1968:

Astros lose five players in the second National League expansion draft. The event is in Montreal which, along with San Diego, are the two new franchises. Back in 1961, Houston could only choose players off the 40-man rosters with other clubs protecting their best 25. Now, Houston can only protect 15 players and their farm system is fully exposed. The Astros surrender catchers John Bateman and Ron Brand to Montreal while San Diego tabs infielder Nate Colbert, outfielder Ivan Murrell and pitcher Tom Dukes.